Lifestyle

How Domestic Travel Insurance Can Protect You On Your Australian Adventure

Published

1 year ago

November 14, 2023

Many Australians travelling within the country tend to overlook domestic travel insurance or give it no more than a passing thought and dismiss it out of hand. They (incorrectly) assume it to be unnecessary but there is some logic to this, as anyone with Medicare is already fairly well covered in terms of their health. Emergency hospitalisations, procedures, and medications are all covered and will not cost extra. But that does not tell the whole story, far from it. There are more issues to face when travelling domestically and we plan to discuss them in detail here.

Ambulances

The first misnomer to address regarding the all-encompassing coverage of Medicare is that of ambulances. They are not included in any Medicare coverage, meaning the user will be liable for the cost. Australia is a huge place, to say the least, and those ambulance fees might be exceptionally high. Especially if you have to be air-lifted to safety by helicopter or other rescue services are involved.

Domestic travel insurance takes this issue out of the equation, with most policies providing full cover for ambulance services.

Dentistry

Another area where Medicare falls short is in dentistry. It does not cover dental issues at all; if the dreaded toothache strikes, there is a good chance your trip will be ruined. Check your intended domestic travel insurance policy carefully for mention of dental coverage; you may find it offers some provision for treatment on the road.

Last minute cancellations

Choosing not to purchase domestic travel insurance exposes you to the risk of paying the full cost of your trip, even if events dictate that you need to cancel. Although some tour companies will kindly allow you to re-schedule pre-booked events for later dates, some will not. Nor are they required to do so by law. Larger hotel chains will be unlikely to sympathise and flight companies are notoriously strict on cancellations unless you pay for flexible tickets.

If you booked any of the elements of your trip using a credit card, you may have some protection provided by default.

Lost luggage

Internal flights are just as capable of losing your luggage as international ones and nothing could be more frustrating than making your way to Sydney for a business meeting only to find your suit is lost along with all your other luggage.

Here again, domestic travel insurance will assist you when this happens and provide compensation.

Natural disasters

Although not stricken by too many earthquakes or volcanoes, Australia has more than its share of natural disasters, primarily in the form of bushfires. These are no joke and can cause not just disruption and inconvenience but immense destruction of property and even death. When wildfires rage out of control, making your way to safe areas can be very challenging, often incurring high costs.

You will find those covered by most domestic travel insurance policies.

Do I need domestic travel insurance within Australia?

There are several good reasons to consider taking out domestic travel insurance for any trip in Australia. At the end of the day, it remains a personal decision, contingent on individual plans and requirements but it is safe to say it bears closer inspection and consideration. It is also a good idea to check any coverage provided by your credit cards. They might offer adequate protection for the trip you have in mind, especially regarding potential cancellations.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.